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CONSTITUTION 


AND 

OB  Y-L  A.WS 


OF  THE 


NO.  1, 

OF  PHILADELPHIA. 


Organized  OecemlDer  X0j  X863« 


ALL  PURCHASES  TO  BE  PAID  FOR  ON  DELIVERY. 


PHILADELPHIA;: 

J.  c.  fINCHER,  PRINTER,  OFFICE  OF  TRADES*  REVIEW. 

1865. 


COMMITTEE  OF  MANAGEMENT. 


President, 

James  McKernan,  1129  Federal  street. 

Recording  Secretary, 

John  M.  Leach,  1016  Federal  street. 

Financial  Secretary, 

Thomas  Phillips,  1152  South  Tenth  street. 
Treasurer, 

William  Ellis,  Lukins  street. 

Joseph  Beck,  1152  South  Tenth  street. 
Anthony  C.  Walters,  1202  Peters  street. 
William  Reed,  1329  Mariner  street. 

Jas.  E.  Pearsadl,  Carpenter  st.,  below  Broad. 
Henry  Hoyle,  Lukins  street,  above  Fifteenth. 
John  McKee,  1430  South  Fourth  street. 

John  Ellis,  1028  Federal  street. 

John  J.  McCarthy,  827  Earp  street. 


ISrOTIOB- 


This  book  with  the  checks  in  yonr  possession,  nmst 
he  left  at  the  store  of  the  Association,  on  or  before 
the  Monday  previous  to  the  day  appointed  for  stock 
taking  The  stocks  are  taken  on  the  last  Tuesdays 
in  Mlrch,  June,  September  and  December  in  each 
year  ; and  the  books  are  required  m order  that  the 
interest  and  dividend  may  be  added  to  the  member  s 

A receipt  will  be  given  for  the  book  and  checks, 
which  must  be  produced  before  the  book  can  be 

^^^Eacli  person  is  requested  to  see  that  the  right 
number  of  checks  is  entered  on  the  receipt  before 

leaving  the  store.  n i 

Purchasers  are  requested  to  get  their  small  checks 
exchanged  for  ^5  checks  as  often  as  possible  during 
the  quarter,  and  to  arrange  them  in  $5  lots,  so  that 
they  can  be  readily  counted  j but  avoid  bringing 

them  on  Saturdays.  . xi.  • i.  i « 

All  persons  are  requested  to  examine  their  checks 
and  change  before  leaving  the  store,  as  no  mistake 
can  afterwards  be  rectified. 


1P7990 


ADVICE  TO  MEMBERS 

OF  THIS  AND  OTHER  ASSOCIATIONS. 


1.  Have  the  authority  and  protection  of  the  law  by 
procuring  a charter. 

2.  Let  integrity,  intelligence,  and  ability  be  indis- 
pensable qualifications  in  the  choice  of  officers  and 
managers,  and  not  wealth  or  distinction. 

8.  Let  each  member  have  only  one  vote,  and  make 
no  distinction  as  regards  the  amount  of  wealth  any 
member  may  contribute. 

4.  Let  majorities  rule  in  all  matters  of  government. 

5.  Look  well  after  the  money  matters.  Punish 

fraud  when  duly  established,  by  the  immediate  expul- 
sion of  the  defrauder.  .X.,  . - « ♦ 

6.  Buy  your  goods  as  much  as  possible  in  the  nrst 
markets;  or,  if  you  have  the  produce  of  your  industry 
to  sell,  contrive,  if  possible,  to  sell  it  in  the  last. 

7.  Never  depart  from  the  principle  of  buying  and 

selling  for  Ready  Monet.  ^ , 

8.  Beware  of  long  reckonings.  Quarterly  accounts 
are  the  best,  and  should  be  adopted  when  practicable. 

9.  For  the  sake  of  security,  always  have  the  ac- 
counted value  of  the  Fixed  Stock"’  at  least  one- 
fourth  less  than  its  marketable  value. 

10.  Let  members  take  care  that  the  accounts  are 
properly  audited  by  men  of  their  own  choosing. 

11.  Let  committees  of  management  always  have  the 

authority  of  the  members  before  taking  any  important 
or  expensive  step.  _ 

12.  Do  not  court  opposition  or  publicity,  nor  tear  it 

- when  it  comes. 

13.  Choose  those  only  for  your  leaders  whom  you 
^an  trust,  and  then  give  them  your  confidence. 


CONSTITUTION. 


ARTICLE  1. 

NAME  OF  THE  ASSOCIATION. 

This  Association  shall  be  known  by  the  name, 
style,  and  title  of  the  Union  Co-operative  Associa- 
tion, OF  Philadelphia,  No.  1. 

ARTICLE  II. 

ORJECT  OF  THE  ASSOCIATION. 

The  object  of  this  Association  is  to  raise,  by  the 
voluntary  subscriptions  of  its  members,  a fund  for 
the  better  enabling  them  to  purchase  food,  fuel, 
clothing,  and  other  necessaries ; by  carrying  on  in 
common  the  trade  or  trades  of  general  and  retail 
dealers,  producers  and  manufacturers. 

ARTICLE  III. 

OFFICERS  OF  THE  ASSOCIATION. 

The  officers  of  the  Association  shall  consist  of  a 
President,  Treasurer,  Financial  and  Recording  Sec- 
retaries. 

ARTICLE  IV. 

CAPITAL  OP  THE  ASSOCIATION. 

The  capital  of  this  Association  shall  be  raised  in 
shares,  of  five  dollars  each,  limited  to  one  hundred 
shares  per  member;  said  shares  not  transferable 


6 


except  in  cases  mentioned  in  Article  XIV.  of  this 
Constitution. 

ARTICLE  V. 

APPLICATIOK  FOR  MEMBERSHIP. 

Section  1.  Any  person  desirous  of  becoming  a 
member  of  this  Association  must  make  application 
in  writing,  through  one  of  its  members,  at  a regular 
stated  meeting. 

Sec.  2.  The  application  shall  be  then  read  and 
laid  over  for  one  month,  when  a ballot  shall  be 
taken,  and  if  tn,ree  black  balls  appear,  the  applicant 
shall  be  declared  rejected. 

Sec.  3.  If  the  applicant  be  elected  a member,  he 
or  she  must  sign  the  Constitution  of  the  Association  ; 
subscribe  to  not  less  than  one  share  of  stock,  (which 
subscription  may  be  paid  at  once,  or  by  installments ;) 
purchase  a copy  of  the  Constitution  and  By-Laws, 
(the  sum  charged  for  which  must  revert  to  the 
educational  fund,)  and  pay  an  entrance  fee  of  not 
less  than  twenty-five  cents,  (to  be  applied  to  the 
fixed  stock  fund.) 

Sec.  .4.  The  election  of  members  shall  be  by  ball 
ballot,  in  the  order  of  their  application. 

Sec.  5.  Any  member  elected,  after  being  notified 
of  such  election,  who  shall  fail  to  sign  the  Constitu- 
tion within  three  months  from  the  date  of  his  or  her 
election,  shall  be  considered  as  non-elect • 

ARTICLE  VI. 

OF  MEMBERS. 

Sec.  1.  Each  member  shall  have  but  one  vote  upon 
any  subject. 

Sec.  2.  Any  member  wishing  to  withdraw  from 


7 


this  Association  must  make  a written  request  to  the 
same,  at  one  of  its  regular  stated  meetings,  which 
the  President  shall  cause  to  be  read  to  the  meeting. 

Sec.  3.  Upon  the  withdrawal  or  expulsion  of  any 
member,  he  or  she  shall  receive  payment  of  the 
balance  then  standing  to  his  or  her  credit  upon  the 
books  of  the  Association  ; together  with  aU  arrears 
of  dividends  and  profits,  if  any,  according  to  the 
scale  set  down  in  Article  XI.  of  this  Constitution. 

Sec.  4.  Any  member  having  participated  in  the 
profits,  shall,  in  case  of  withdrawal  from  this  Asso- 
ciation, forfeit  the  sum,  (not  exceeding  50  cents,)  as 
the  Committee  of  Management  may  think  proper; 
such  forfeits  to  be  applied  to  the  fixed  stock  fund. 

Sec.  5.  A member  being  in  distress,  may  with- 
draw any  sum  he  may  have  in  the  funds  of  the  As- 
sociation, at  the  discretion  of  the  committee  of  man- 
agement. 

ARTICLE  YII. 

PLACE  OF  BCSIXESS. 

The  place  of  business  of  this  Association  shall  be 
at  917  Federal  Street,  or  at  such  place  or  places  as 
the  Committee  of  Management  shall,  from  time  to 
to  time  determine ; and  at  such  place  or  places  all 
the  books  of  accounts,  security,  and  documents  of 
the  Association,  other  than  such,  if  any,  as  are 
required  for  the  carrying  on  business  on  account  of 
the  same  elsewhere,  shall  be  kept.  » 

ARTICLE  VIII. 

COMMITTEE  OP  MANAGEMENT. 

Sec.  1.  The  management  of  this  Association  shall 
be  vested  in  a committee,  consisting  of  the  Presi- 


8 


dent,  Treasurer,  Recording  and  Financial  Secreta- 
ries, and  eight  other  members,  to  be  elected  at  the 
first  regular  meeting  held  after  this  Constitution  and 
By-Laws  shall  be  adopted  ; and  afterwards,  that  the 
President,  Treasurer,  Recording  and  Financial  Sec- 
retaries, and  three  committee  men,  shall  be  elected 
at  the  regular  meeting  held  in  the  month  of  January, 
and  the  remaining  five  committee  men  at  the  regular 
meeting  held  in  the  month  of  July  ; the  retiring  offi- 
cers being  eligible  for  re-election ; but  if,  through 
death,  resignation,  or  otherwise,  a vacancy  should 
occur  amongst  the  officers  of  this  Association,  a 
special,  general  meeting  of  the  members  shall  be 
called,  at  which  meeting  another  or  others  shall  be 
elected  to  fill  such  vacancy  or  vacancies.  That  no 
person  shall  be  eligible  for  a committte  man  who  has 
not  been  a member  of  the  Association  six  months, 
nor  eligible  for  President  who  has  not  been  a com- 
mittee  man. 

Sec.  2.  All  officers  of  this  Association  before 
entering  upon  their  duties,  shall  assent  to  the  follow- 
ing pledge : 

I , pledge  my  honor,  that  I wiU,  to  the 

best  of  my  ability,  fulfill  the  duties  devolving  upon 
me  as  an  officer  of  this  Association ; that  I will 
guard  the  interests  of  the  Association  with  vigilance, 
and  endeavor  to  protect  it  (i gainst  everything  that 
has  a tendency  to  injure  its  character,  or  mar  its 
prosperity ; and  to  conduct  its  business  in  accord- 
ance with  safe  and  sound  principles,  abiding  by 
such  rules  and  regulations  as  may  be  adopted  to 
insure  the  complete  success  of  the  objects  of  the 
Association. 


9 


ARTICLE  IX. 

MANAGEMENT  OF  BUSINESS. 

Sec.  1.  The  business  of  this  Association  shall  be 
Tested  in  a Committee  of  Management,  who  shall 
have  control  of  all  business  done  by,  or  on  account 
of  the  Association ; the  buying  and  selling  of  all 
goods;  the  control  of  all  persons  employed;  the 
appointment  and  removal  of  all  persons.  They 
shall  conduct  all  business  vested  in  them  by  this 
Article ; regulate  the  rates  of  payment  for  work  or 
services  done  on  account  of  the  Association,  subject 
to  the  approval  of  the  same  at  its  regular  stated 
meetings. 

Sec.  2.  They  must  give,  or  cause  to  be  given  to 
each  purchaser,  evidence  of  such  purchase,  either  in 
the  shape  of  a check  or  checks,  stamped  with  the 
amount  of  their  purchase,  or  by  entering  the  amount 
in  a pass  book ; or  in  such  other  way  as  the  Asso- 
ciation shall  from  time  to  time  direct. 

Sec.  3.  They  must  also  procure,  or  cause  to  be 
procured,  documentary  evidence,  in  regular  business- 
form,  of  every  purchase  made,  and  of  all  moneys 
paid  by  them,  and  keep  the  same  on  file. 

Sec.  4.  They  must  also  keep,  or  cause  to  be  kept,, 
an  account  of  all  goods  disposed  of,  giving  the  date 
of  such  sales,  the  name  of  the  purchaser,  together 
with  the  quantity  of  goods  sold,  and  the  amount 
received  therefor ; in  short,  a complete  and  systema- 
tic account  of  every  transaction,  so  as  to  enable 
them  to  make  a full  and  clear  statement  of  their 
doings  whenever  the  Association  may  require  it. 

Sec.  5.  They  must  carry  on  the  business  of  the 
Association  on  strictly  cash  principles,  never  giving 
or  receiving  credit. 

1* 


10 


Sec.  6.  They  may  keep  such  other  accounts,  and 
adopt  such  other  rules  for  the  government  of  the 
business  of  the  Association  as  they,  in  their  judg- 
ment may  deem  necessary ; subject  to  the  approval 
of  the  Association. 

Sec.  7.  The  Committee  of  Management  shall  meet 
every  Thursday  evening,  at  eight  o’clock  ; and  any 
five  of  the  committee  shall  form  a quorum.  They 
shall  in  all  things  act  for  and  in  the  name  of  the 
Association,  and  all  acts  and  orders  under  the  powers 
delegated  to  them,  shall  have  the  like  force  and 
effect  as  if  they  were  the  acts  and  orders  of  a major- 
ity of  the  members  of  the  Association,  at  a general 
meeting  thereof. 

Sec.  8.  Every  question  at  such  meetings  shall  be 
decided  by  a majority  of  votes  ; and  if  the  votes  at 
any  time  are  equal,  the  chairman  shall  have  the 
casting  vote. 

Sec.  9.  Any  five  of  the  committee  may  call  a 
special  meeting,  by  giving  one  clear  day’s  notice  to 
the  Secretary,  in  writing  ; but  at  such  special  meet- 
ings no  other  business  than  that  specified  in  the 
notice  shall  be  transacted. 

Sec.  10.  Any  member  of  the  committee  not  pre- 
sent at  a quarter  past  the  hour  of  meeting,  for  three 
successive  meeting  nights,  shall  forfeit  his  position  as 
a member  of  the  committee ; unless  such  absence  be 
caused  by  sickness  or  some  other  unavoidable  cause. 

Sec.  11.  The  committee  shall  be  bound  by  the 
following  rules  : — the  capital  of  this  Association,  as 
represented  by  shares,  shall  not  be  used  at  any  time 
to  meet  expenses ; but  shall  be  applied  solely  and 
exclusively  to  the  purchase  of  goods,  with  which  to 
bring  in  profit,  or  to  be  invested  in  a building  or 


11 


buildings  in  which  to  cany  on  business ; or  for  the 
members  to  live  in  ; or  in  any  other  way  that  the  As- 
sociation may,  from  time  to  time  agree  upon,  consis- 
tent with  the  above  object ; said  object  simply  being 
to  keep  on  hand  at  all  times,  either  in  money  or  its 
equivalent,  the  full  amount  of  Share  capital  invested 
in  the  Association. 

That  all  moneys  sunk  in  any  shape,  and  all 
expenses  of  whatever  kind,  or  under  whatever  name 
they  may  go,  shall  be  paid  out  of  the  profits ; or 
from  a fund  raised  or  provided  for  the  purpose. 

That  the  accounts  of  each  fund  of  the  Association 
shall  be  kept  separate  and  distinct  from  each  other, 
and  any  money  standing  to  the  credit  of  any  par- 
ticular fund,  shall  be  used  expressly  for  that  fund, 
and  no  other ; and  in  no  case  shall  the  expenses  of 
any  fund  exceed  the  amount  appropriated  to  it  by 
the  laws  and  the  vote  of  the  Association  at  its  regu- 
lar quarterly  meetings. 

There  shall  be  three  funds,  viz : the  Regular  and 
Contingent  Expense  Fund,  the  Fixed  Stock  Fund, 
and  the  Educational  Fund, 

The  Regular  and  Contingent  Expense  Fund  shall 
be  devoted  to  the  payment  of  rent,  wages  of  distri- 
bution. repairs,  interest  on  shares,  taxes,  insurance, 
light,  fuel,  &c. ; in  fact,  anything  that  has  not  its 
representative  equivalent. 

The  Fixed  Stock  Fund  shall  be  devoted  to  the 
purchase  of  such  fixtures  as  may  be  necessary  for 
the  transaction  of  business. 

The  Educational  Fund  shall  be  devoted  to  the 
establishment  of  a library  and  reading  room,  the 
sustaining  of  lectures,  and  the  printing  and  distribu- 
tion of  information  treating  upon  the  subject  of  co- 
operation. 


12 


ARTICLE  X. 

DIVIDENDS. 

Sec.  1.  The  net  proceeds  of  all  business  carried 
on  by  this  Association,  after  paying  or  providing 
for  all  regular  and  contingent  expenses  for  the  ensu- 
ing quarter,  including  interest  on  shares,  at  th^  rate 
of  five  per  cent,  per  annum ; and  two  per  cent,  on 
net  profit,  for  educational  purposes,  shall  be  divided 
quarterly  among  the  members,  in  proportion  to  the 
amount  of  their  individual  purchases  at  the  store, 
and  the  wages  of  production  received  by  them  from 
the  Association. 

Sec.  2.  Non-members,  and  members  not  having 
had  one  share  fully  paid  up  at  the  commencement  of 
the  quarter,  shall  receive  one’-lialf  the  dividend  of  a 
full  member  ; the  other  half  shall  be  appropriated  to 
the  fixed  stock  fund. 

ARTICLE  XI. 

WITHDRAWAL  OF  MEMBERS. 

Any  member  may  withdraw  any  sum,  not  exceed- 
ing twelve  dollars  and  fifty  cents  ($12  50,)  upon 
application  to  the  Committee  of  Management ; and 
for  all  sums  beyond  the  above  amount,  the  following 
notice  must  be  given  to  the  Committee : 

From  $12  50  to  $25  00,  2 weeks’  notice. 

‘‘  25  00  to  50  00,  3 

“ 50  00  to  100  00,  4 

« 100  00  to  150  00,  5 

150  00  to  200  00,  6 
“ 200  00  to  250  00,  7 

“ 250  00  to  300  00,  8 

“ 300  00  to  350  00,  9 

“ 350  00  to  400  00,  10 

“ 400  00  to  450  00,  11 

‘‘  450  00  to  500  00,  12 


13 


ARTICLE  XII. 

DECEASED  MEMBERS’  SHARES. 

If  any  member  dies  intestate,  and  without  having 
exercised  the  power  of  nomination  given  him  in 
Article  XIII.  of  this  Constitution,  leaving  a widow 
or  widower,  the  Committee  of  Management  shall 
repay  to  him  or  her  the  capital  subscribed  by  such 
member,  with  all  arrears  of  interest  and  dividends 
thereon,  within  two  months  after  they  receive  notice 
of  his  or  her  death,  in  case  the  shares  as  to  which 
such  member  so  dies  intestate  are  less  than  thirty 
(30  ;)  and  if  more  than  thirty,  according  to  the  scalo 
of  notice  in  the  11th  Article  of  this  Constitution ; 
and  if  he  or  she  so  dies,  not  leaving  a widow  or 
widower,  but  having  any  child  under  twenty-one 
(21,)  tjie  said  committee  shall,  within  such  time  as 
aforesaid,  either  pay  such  moneys  to  such  child  or 
children ; and  if  more  than  one,  equally,  or  apply 
the  same  for  his,  her,  or  their  benefit ; and  if  any 
member  so  dies  intestate,  without  leaving  any  widow 
or  widower,  or  child  under  twenty-one,  the  said 
committee  shall  pay  all  moneys  due  in  respect  of 
such  shares  to  any  person  who  would  be  entitled  to 
a share  of  his  or  her  estate,  under  the  statute  for 
distribution  of  the  property  of  intestates  ; and  if  any 
member  dies  leaving  a will,  the  said  Committee  shall, 
on  production  of  the  probate  or  letters  of  adminis- 
tration of  such  will,  pay  over  such  moneys  to  the 
executors  or  administrators  of  such  will,  within  such 
time  as  aforesaid,  after  they  receive  notice  of  the 
death  of  the  testator. 

ARTICLE  XIII. 

NOMINATION  BY  MEMBERS. 

The  Secretary  shall  keep  a book,  in  which  a mem- 


14 


ber  may  nominate  in  writing  the  person  to  whom 
his  or  her  shares  and  interest  shall,  on  his  or  her 
decease  be  transferred ; such  person  being  the  hus- 
band, wife,  father,  mother,  child,  brother  or  sister, 
nephew  or  niece  of  such  member.  Any  member 
may  revoke  such  nomination  by  a written  notice  to 
that  effect,  signed  by  Jiimself  or  herself ; and  it  shall 
be  the  duty  of  the  Secretary  to  see  such  nomination 
erased,  the  member  to  pay  the  sum  of  ten  cents  to 
the  Committee  of  Management  for  each  nomination 
or  revocation,  said  sum  to  be  applied  to  the  fixed 
stock  fund.  The  Committee  of  Management  may,  if 
they  think  fit,  instead  of  making  such  transfer,  pay 
to  any  person  or  persons  so  nominated,  the  full  value 
of  the  interest  of  the  member  at  the  time  of  his  or 
her  death. 

ARTICLE  XIY. 

TRANSFER  OF  DECEASED  MEMBERS’  SHARES. 

Upon  the  death  of  any  member,  the  person  nomi- 
nated as  aforesaid,  or  in  the  event  of  there  being  no 
such  nominated  person,  the  legal  personal  represen- 
tative of  such  deceased  member  shall,  within  one 
month  thereafter,  give  notice  thereof,  in  writing,  to 
the  Secretary,  stating  the  Christian  and  surname, 
place  of  abode,  and  profession  or  business  of  such 
nominated  person  or  legal  representative,  as  the 
case  may  be,  in  order  that  the  shares  of  the  deceased 
member  may  be  registered  in  the  name  of  such 
nominated  person  or  legal  representative ; or  of  such 
other  person  entitled  thereto,  as  he  or  she  shall,  by 
such  notice  direct ; or  in  default,  shall  pay  a fine  of 
twenty-five  cents  per  share  ; and  upon  such  notice 
being  given,  the  share  or  shares  of  such  deceased 


15 


member  shall  be  transferred  into  the  name  of  such 
nominated  person  or  legal  representatives,  as  the 
case  may  be ; or  such  other  person  or  persons  enti- 
tled thereto,  as  such  representative  shall  direct,  with 
the  option  of  purchase  by  the  Committee  of  Manage- 
ment, as  aforesaid. 

ARTICLE  XV. 

DEBATES. 

No  discussions  other  than  those  bearing  directly 
upon  the  interest  of  the  Association,  shall  be  per- 
mitted daring  its  hours  of  session. 

ARTICLE  XVI, 

BY-LAWS. 

By-Laws  in  conformity  with  this  Constitution 
may  be  made,  and  from  time  to  time  altered  or 
amended,  as  may  be  deemed  expedient  by  this  Asso- 
ciation. 

ARTICLE  XVir. 

AMENDMENTS  TO  THE  CONSTITUTION. 

No  alteration  or  amendment  shall  be  made  to  this 
Constitution,  except  the  same  is  proposed  in  writing, 
at  a regular  stated  meeting  of  the  Association,  when 
it  shall  be  laid  over  for  consideration  for  the  space 
of  three  months ; and  then,  if  adopted  by  a vote  of 
two-thirds  of  the  members  present,  it  shall  become  s 
part  of  this  Constitution,  and  not  otherwise. 


BY-LAWS 


C 


ARTICLE  I. 

DUTIES  OF  THE  PKESIDENT. 

The  President  shall  act  as  chairman  at  all  meet- 
ings of  the  Association,  and  should  he  not  be  present 
at  any  of  the  meetings,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  tho 
members  present  to  elect  one  of  their  number  to' 
serve  as  chairman  pro  tern.  The  person  so  acting 
shall  have  power  to  sign  all  contracts  that  may  be 
made  while  he  occupies  the  chair,  as  also  the  min- 
utes of  the  meeting.  The  President  shall  have  the 
casting  vote  upon  all  subjects,  whenever  the  same 
may  be  necessary. 

ARTICLE  II. 

DUTIES  OP  THE  TEEASUEER. 

The  Treasurer  shall  be  held  responsible  for  all 
moneys  as  from  time  to  time  may  be  placed  in  his 
hands  on  account  of  the  Association  ; Jie  shall  keep 
a correct  account  of  his  receipts  and  disbursements  ; 
he  shall  balance  his  account  at  least  once  a week, 
and  furnish  the  Financial  Secretary  with  a duplicate 
copy  thereoL  He  shall  be  present  at  all  the  general 
meetings  of  the  xlssociation,  and  upon  his  resigna- 
tion or  removal  from  office,  he  must  transmit  to  his 
successor  all  books,  papers  and  moneys  that  may  be 
in  his  possession. 


17 


ARTICLE  III. 

DUTIES  OF  THE  FINANCIAL  SECRETARY. 

The  Financial  Secretary  shall  keep  accurate 
accounts  of  the  Finances  of  the  Association,  and 
prepare  all  documents  relating  to  the  same,  when- 
ever required  of  him ; he  shall  receive  all  moneys 
paid  to  the  Association,  and  pay  the  same  over  to 
the  Treasurer,  taking  his  receipt  therefor ; he  must 
take  charge  of  all  financial  documents,  and  upon 
his  resignation  or  removal,  must  deliver  unto  his 
successor  all  the  property  of  the  Association  that 
may  be  in  his  possession,  and  in  the  absence  of  the 
Recording  Secretary  perform  the  duties  of  that  office^ 

ARTICLE  IV. 

DUTIES  OF  THE  RECORDING  SECRETARY. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Recording  Secretary  to 
attend  all  meetings  of  the  Association,  as  well  as 
those  of  the  Committee  of  Management ; he  must 
issue  notices  for  all  special  meetings  that  may  he 
held,  and  record  in  a book  provided  for  the  purpose, 
correct  minutes  of  the  proceedings  of  all  meetings ; he 
shall,  in  connection  with  the  President,  answer  all 
communications  or  correspondence  directed  to  the 
Association,  and  in  case  of  the  non-attendance  of 
the  Financial  Secretary,  perform  the  duties  of  that 
office  ; he  shall,  in  case  of  his  resignation  or  removal 
from  office,  deliver  unto  his  successor  all  books, 
papers  and  documents  belonging  to  the  Association. 

ARTICLE  V. 

DUTIES  OF  ELECTION  OFFICERS. 

The  President  shall  have  the  appointment  of  the 


18 


persons  to  conduct  the  elections,  who  shall  consist 
of  a judge,  inspector,  and  a teller,  who,  after  having 
examined  and  counted  each  vote,  shall  present  their 
report  to  the  President,  duly  signed,  who  shall  cause 
it  to  be^  read  to  the  Association.  Election  shall  be 
by  ballot,  and  in  no  case  shall  a proxy  vote  be 
taken.  The  persons  receiving  the  highest  number 
of  votes  shall  be  declared  elected. 

ARTICLE  VI. 

NOMINATIONS  FOR  ELECTION  OP  OFFICERS. 

All  nominations  must  be  made  one  month  previous 
to  the  time  appointed  for  the  election,  and  no  person 
shall  be  nominated  for  an  office  who  is  not  present 
at  the  time  of  nomination. 

ARTICLE  VII. 

DUTIES  OF  AUDITORS. 

There  shall  be  two  or  more  Auditors  of  the  Asso- 
ciation appointed  at  each  quarterly  meeting,  they 
shall  audit  the  accounts  of  the  Association,  and  see 
that  they  are  correctly  kept ; and  shall  lay  before 
each  extra  quarterly  meeting  a balance  sheet  ot 
receipts  and  expenditures,  and  also,  of  the  assets  and 
liabilities  of  the  Association,  signed  by  them,  with  a 
statement  of  the  Association’s  affairs  since  the  last 
quarterly  meeting,  and  of  its  then  condition ; they 
shall  have  power  to  call  for,  and  examine  all  papers 
and  documents  belonging  to  the  Association. 

ARTICLE  VIII. 

MEETINGS  OF  THE  ASSOCIATION. 

Sec.  1.  The  stated  meetings  of  this  Association 


19 


shall  be  held  on  the  first  Tuesday  evening  in  each 
month  at  8 o’clock. 

Sec.  2.  That  the  first  Tuesdays  m January,  April, 
July  and  October  shall  be  designated  as  the  quarterly 
meeting  nights  of  the  Association;  that  at  such 
meetings  the  reports  of  the  Financial  ^cretary  and 
Treasurer  shall  be  made,  together  with  such  other 
reports  as  may  be  desired  by  the  Association. 

Sec.  3.  That  an  extra  quarterly  meeting  shall  be 
held  on  the  second  Tuesday  evening  in  each  of  the 
months  above  mentioned  to  hear  the  report  of  the 
Auditors. 

ARTICLE  IX. 


SECURITY  FROM  OFFICERS  AND  OTHERS. 

Any  person  elected  or  appointed  to  any  office 
touching  the  receipt,  management  or  expenditure  of 
money  for  the  purposes  of  the  Association,  shall, 
before  entering  upon  the  duties  of  his  office,  give  such 
security  for  the  faithful  discharge  of  his  duty  as  may 
be  deemed  sufficient  by  the  Committee  of  Manage- 
ment. 


AKTICLE  X. 

DISQUALIFICATION  OP  COMMITTEE  MEN. 

Any  member  of  the  Committee  of  Management 
shall  vacate  his  office  if  he  holds  any  other  office  or 
place  of  profit  under  the  Association,  if  he  becomes 
bankrupt  or  insolvent,  if  he  is  concerned  in  or  par- 
ticipates in  the  profits  of  any  contract  with  the 
Association ; but  the  above  rule  shall  be  subject  to  the 
following  exceptions  : that  no  Committee  man  shall 
vacate  his  office  by  reason  of  his  being  a member  of 
any  Company  or  Association  which  has  entered  into 


20 


contracts  with,  or  done  any  work  for  the  Association 
of  which  he  is  a Committee  man;  nevertheless,  he 
shall  not  vote  in  respect  of  such  contract  or  work, 
and  if  he  does  so  vote,  his  vote  shall  not  be  counted, 

ARTICLE  XI. 

P'LACn  OF  AND  NUMBER  CONSTITUTING  A MEETING. 

All  general  meetings  shall  be  held  at  the  chief 
place  of  business  of  the  Association,  or  at  such  other 
place  as  the  Committee  of  Management  may  deter- 
mine, and  no  meeting  of  the  Association  shall  pro- 
ceed to  business  unless  at  least  ten  members  be  pre- 
sent within  one  hour  of  the  time  of  meeting  ; other-- 
wise,  such  meeting,  if  it  be  the  ordinary  quarterly 
meeting  of  the  Association,  or  a special  general  meet- 
ing convened  by  the  Committee  of  Management,  shall 
stand  adjourned  to  that  day  week.  But  if  it  be 
convened  by  notice  from  the  members  shall  be  abso- 
lutely dissolved.  But  any  general  meeting  may 
adjourn  from  time  to  time  for  any  period  not  ex- 
ceeding fourteen  clear  days,  and  no  meeting  shall 
be  rendered  incapable  of  transacting  business  by 
want  of  a quorum  after  the  chair  has  been  taken. 

ARTICLE  XII. 

OFFICERS  NOT  TO  NOMINATE  OR  SECOND  COLLEAGUES^ 

That  no  Committee  man.  President,  Secretary  or 
Treasurer  while  in  office  shall  be  allowed  to  nominate 
or  second  any  member  to  serve  on  the  Committee  of 
Management. 

ARTICLE  XIII. 

COMPLAINTS  AND  SUGGESTIONS. 

If  any  member  has  any  complaint  to  make  relative 
to  the  qualities  or  prices  charged  for  goods  supplied 


21 


by  the  Association,  or  respecting  the  conduct  of  any 
of  the  employees  or  officers  of  the  same,  such  com- 
plaint must  be  sent  to  the  committee  in  writing, 
signed  by  the  member  complaining,  or  some  other 
member  on  his,  her  or  their  behalf,  and  shall  be 
inrestigated  and  decided  upon  by  the  committee, 
such  decision  to  be  entered  in  their  minute  book ; 
and,  if  satisfaction  be  not  given  by  their  decision, 
the  same  shall  be  brought  before  a general  meeting  of 
the  Association,  and  if  not  then  settled  to  the  satis- 
faction of  the  parties  complaining,  shall  be  referred 
to  a quarterly  meeting,  whose  decision  shall  be  final. 
Any  member  may  fikewise  send  to  the  committee  in 
writing  any  suggestion  for  the  better  carrying  into 
effect  the  objects  of  the  Association,  which  shall  be 
considered  by  the  committee. 

ARTICLE  XIY. 

INJURIOUS  CONDUCT. 

The  Committee  of  Management  may  suspend  any 
member  who  persists  in  any  conduct  injmdous  to  the 
Association,  until  they  submit  the  same  to  a general 
meeting,  of  which  the  offender  shall  have  three  clear 
days’  notice ; Who  shall  have  power  to  expel  such 
member  or  otherwise,  as  they  may  think  fit.  No 
person  so  expelled  shall  again  be  admitted,  except 
by  the  general  meeting  ; nor  unless  notice  has  been 
given  at  the  last  previous  general  meeting  of  the 
intention  to  propose  his  re-admission. 

ARTICLE  XV. 

DISPUTES. 

In  case  of  a dispute  between  this  Association  and 
any  of  its  members,  or  of  members  or  persons  claim- 


4 


22 


ing  on  account  of  a member,  or  under  the  laws,  or 
of  any  complaint  against  any  member  or  officer, 
application  may  be  made  to  the  Committee  of  Man- 
agement for  redress ; but  should  the  party  not 
receive  satisfaction,  appeal  may  be  made  to  a general 
meeting  of  the  members  of  the  Association,  whose 
decision  shall  be  final  and  binding,  except  reference 
be  made  to  arbitration.  The  costs  of  reference  to 
arbitration  shall  be  paid  by  such  party,  or  by  the 
parties,  in  such  proportion  as  the  arbitrators  shall 
direct;  and  the  parties  requiring  the  arbitration 
shall,  previous  to  the  matters  being  gone  into,  deposit 
with  the  Financial  Secretary  the  sum  of  three  dol- 
lars, to  abide  the  result. 

ARTICLE  XVI. 

ARBITKATIOIJ  OF  DISPUTES. 

If  any  disputes  arise  between  any  member  or  per- 
son claiming  under,  or  on  account  of  any  member, 
or  under  the  laws  and  the  Committee  of  Management 
thereof,  and  not  settled  according  to  the  foregoing 
law,  it  shall  be  referred  to  arbitration ; for  which 
purpose,  at  the  second  meeting  of  the  Association 
after  these  laws  have  been  adopted,  five  arbitrators 
shall  be  named  and  elected,  none  of  them  being 
directly  or  indirectly  beneficially  interested  in  the 
funds  of  this  Association ; and  in  each  case  of  dispute 
the  names  of  arbitrators  shall  be  written  on  pieces  of 
paper,  and  placed  in  a box  or  glass,  and  the  three 
whose  names  are  first  drawn  out  by  the  complaining 
party,  or  by  some  one  appointed  by  him,  shall  be 
the  arbitrators  to  decide  the  matter  in  difference.  In 
case  of  vacancy,  another  arbitrator  shall  be  elected 
at  the  first  general  meeting  thereafter^ 


23 


ARTICLE  XVII. 

FINES  AND  PENALTIES. 

Sec.  1.  Any  officer  of  this  Association  who  shall 
fail  to  be  present  at  any  of  the  general  or  special 
meetings,  (after  receiving  notice  thereof,)  within  fif- 
teen minutes  of  the  time  for  opening  meeting,  shall 
forfeit  and  pay  the  sum  of  twenty-five  cents ; and, 
upon  a repetition  of  the  failure  for  three  meeting 
nights  in  succession,  in  addition  to  the  above  tine,  he 
shall  forfeit  the  official  position  he  may  hold  in  the 
Association. 

Sec.  2.  Any  member  of  a committee  who  shall  fail 
to  be  present  at  any  of  its  duly  appointed  meetings, 
within  fifteen  minutes  from  the  time  of  opening  the 
same,  shall  forfeit  the  sum  of  twenty-five  cents,  and 
for  non-attendance  at  any  three  meetings  in  succes- 
sion, he  shall  forfeit  his  position  as  Committee  man. 
Absence  from  the  city,  sickness,  or  some  other 
unavoidable  cause  must  be  given  to  exempt  him  from 
the  enforcement  of  the  above  penalties. 

Sec.  3.  All  fines  specified  in  these  laws  shall  be 
applied  to  the  fixed  stock  fund. 

ARTICLE  XYIII. 
alterations  or  amendments. 

No  alteration  or  amendment  to  these  By-Laws 
shall  be  made,  except  the  same  is  proposed  in  writing 
at  one  of  the  regular  monthly  meetings  of  the  Asso- 
ciation, when  it  shall  be  laid  over  until  the  next 
regular  meeting,  and  receive  a two-thirds  vote  of 
those  present  to  become  a law,  and  not  otherwise. 


24 


ARTICLE  XIX. 

CONSTRUCTION’  OF  CONSTITUTION  AND  BY-LAWS. 

In  construing  the  Constitution  and  By-Laws, 
words  importing  the  masculine  gender  shall  be  taken 
to  apply  to  a female ; words  importing  one  person  or 
thing  only,  shall  be  taken  to  apply  to  more  than  one 
person  or  thing ; and  words  importing  a class  shall 
be  taken  to  apply  to  the  majority  of  that  class, 
unless  there  is  something  in  the  context  to  prevent 
such  a construction. 

ARTICLE  XX. 

PARLIAMENTARY  RULES. 

‘‘Mathias  ” shall  be  authority  on  all  questions  of 
parliamentary  rules  in  this  Association. 


INDEX  TO  CONSTITUTION 


ARTICLE  pj^aa 

I.  Name, 5 

ir.  Objects, 5 

III.  Officers  of  the  Association, 5 

IV.  Capital  “ “ 5 

V.  Application  for  Membership, 6 

VI.  Of  Members, 6 

VII.  Place  of  Business, 7 

VIII.  Committee  of  Management, 7 

IX.  Management  of  Business, 9 

X.  Dividends, ; 12 

XI.  Withdrawal  of  Members, 12 

XII.  Deceased  Members’ Shares, 13 

XIII.  Nomination  by  Members, 13 

XIV.  Transfer  of  Deceased  Members’  Shares, 14 

XV.  Debates, 15 

XVI.  By-Laws, 15 

XVII.  Amendments  to  the  Constitution, 15 


INDEX  TO  BY-LAWS.  _ 


ARTICLE 

I.  Duties  of  President, 

II,  Duties  of  Treasurer, 

III.  Duties  of  Pinancial  Secretary , 

IV.  Duties  of  Recording, Secretary, 

V.  Duties  of  Election  Officers, 

VI.  Nominations  for  Election  of  Officers, 

VII.  Duties  of  Auditors,..,.*.  — 

VIII.  Meetings  of  the  Association,.... 

IX.  Security  from  Officers  and  Others, 

X.  Disqualification  of  Committee  Men,.. 

XI  Place  of,  and  number  constituting  a Meeting,.. 

XII.  Officers  not  to  Nominate  or  second  Colleagues,. 

XIII.  Complaints  and  Suggestions, 

XIV.  Injurious  Conduct, 

XV.  Disputes, 

XVI.  Arbitration  of  Disputes, 

XVII.  Pines  and  Penalties, 

XVIII.  Alterations  or  Amendments, 

XIX.  Construction  of  Constitution  and  By-Laws,.... 
XX.  Parliamentary  Rules, 


16 

16 

17 

17 

17 

18 
18 
18 
19 

, 19 
. 20 
. 20 
. 20 
. 21 
. 21 
. 22 
. 23 
23 
..  24 
..  24 


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